In Ohio, only students are prohibited from using or possessing tobacco products on school grounds. It is up to individual school districts to regulate tobacco use on school grounds by staff and visitors. A 100% tobacco-free schools policy - a policy that prohibits smoking or any tobacco use on school grounds and at all school functions - reinforces educational messages about smoking and helps to reduce student tobacco use.

The Tobacco Public Policy Center can assist your school district with developing a 100% tobacco-free schools policy.

Analysis

School District Compliance with the Smoke-Free Workplace Act (PDF) - guidelines for school districts regarding the Ohio Smoke-Free Workplace Law, as well as answers to frequently asked questions.

Policy

Tobacco-Free Schools Model Policy (PDF)

Ohio

In an effort to increase the number of school districts adopting a 100% tobacco-free school policy, the Tobacco Public Policy Center and Grange Insurance Companies are prepared to distribute more than 1,000 12” x 18” gage aluminum “tobacco-free school” signs – for free – to school districts that implement 100% tobacco-free campus policies.  These signs are available, on a first-come, first-served basis, to any school districts implementing a 100% tobacco-free campus policy during the 2007-2008 school year.  See the FAQ link below for more information.

List of Tobacco-Free School Districts in Ohio (PDF)

Ohio Map of Tobacco-Free School Districts (PDF)

(To view the maps, right click on the link and select the "Save Target As..." option, then open the files from the saved location on your computer)

• Northeast Ohio (PDF) (Counties: Erie; Huron; Richland; Knox; Ashland; Coshocton; Holmes; Wayne; Medina; Lorain; Cuyahoga; Summit; Stark; Tuscarawas; Harrison; Jefferson; Carroll; Columbiana; Mahoning; Trumbull; Ashtabula; Lake; Geauga; Portage)
• Northwest Ohio (PDF) (Counties and locations: Williams; Defiance; Paulding; Van Wert; Mercer; Fulton; Henry; Putnam; Allen; Auglaize; Shelby; Logan; Hardin; Hancock; Wood; Lucas; Ottawa; Sandusky; Seneca; Wyandot; Marion; Union; Delaware; Morrow; Crawford; North Bass; Middle Bass; Put-In-Bay; Kelley’s Island)
• Southwest Ohio (PDF) (Counties: Darke; Preble; Butler; Hamilton; Miami; Montgomery; Warren; Clermont; Champaign; Clark; Greene; Clinton; Highland; Brown; Adams; Scioto; Pike; Ross; Pickaway; Fayette; Franklin; Madison)
• Southeast Ohio (PDF) (Counties: Licking; Fairfield; Hocking; Vinton; Jackson; Lawrence; Gallia; Meigs; Athens; Washington; Morgan; Perry; Muskingum; Guernsey; Belmont; Monroe; Noble)
• Cuyahoga and Hamilton counties (PDF)

FAQs regarding free signs and school district maps (PDF)

Click here and here to see the “Tobacco Free School” sign. 

Other States

Tobacco-Free Schools Laws - State-by-State Summary (PDF)